The RBA has raised the official cash rate for the ninth time in a row

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kicked off 2023 by increasing the cash rate a further 25 basis points to 3.35%. How much will this rate hike increase your mortgage repayments in 2023, and how high is the cash rate expected to go?

This is the ninth rate hike by the RBA in as many meetings (since May 2022), and it takes the cash rate to its highest level since September 2012.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement that the RBA board expects that further increases in interest rates will be needed over the months ahead to ensure that inflation returns to target and that this period of high inflation is only temporary.

“In assessing how much further interest rates need to increase, the Board will be paying close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in household spending and the outlook for inflation and the labour market,” said Governor Lowe.

How much are your mortgage repayments expected to increase in 2023?

Unless you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, the major lenders will likely follow the RBA’s lead and increase the interest rate on your variable home loan soon.

Let’s say you’re an owner-occupier with a 25-year loan of $500,000 paying principal and interest.

This month’s 25 basis point increase means your monthly repayments could increase by almost $75 a month. That’s an extra $910 a month on your mortgage compared to May 1 2022.

If you have a $750,000 loan, repayments will likely increase by about $115 a month, up $1365 from May 1 2022.

Meanwhile, a $1 million loan will increase by about $150 a month, up about $1,830 from May 1 2022.

How high are interest rates expected to go in 2023?

Here’s what economists from the big four banks are currently predicting for the rest of 2023, and what also could be possible:

CommBank – no more increases for 2023 (prediction made prior to statement by Governor Lowe).

NAB – rates rising to 3.60% by May 2023. However, there’s a risk of a peak towards 4%.

Westpac – rising to 3.85% by May 2023. First rate cut should arrive by March 2024.

ANZ – rising to 3.85% by May 2023, but possibly 4.10% if inflation keeps rising.

Worried about your mortgage?

Don’t be. You’re still in the property market and there are several home loan options outside of the major banks. You just need to make he time to look around and speak to a lending specialist.

Our LJ Hooker Home Loans specialists have access to some of the lowest rate home loans in the market, including specialist options for self-employed people and investors. A review of your home loan could save you $1,000’s in interest, or lower your repayments.

Get in touch

There are a lot of households around the country really feeling the pinch of all these rate rises.

Similarly, there are a lot of people on fixed-rate home loans wondering just what options will be available to them once their fixed-rate period ends and they have to transition over to a variable rate home loan.

Some options we can help you explore include refinancing (which could include increasing the length of your loan and decreasing monthly repayments), debt consolidation, or building up a bit of a buffer in an off-set account ahead of more rate hikes.

So, if you’re concerned about how you might meet your repayments in 2023, give us a call today. The earlier we sit down with you and help you plan, the better we can help you over the period ahead.

Our lending specialists are available 7 days a week via phone, web chat, or in person to help you decide if a home loan refinance is a good option for you.

This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.